Lesson 8: Blood glucose concentration

Question 1

What is the role of the pancreas?

Answer 1

• The pancreas monitors and controls the blood glucose concentration.

Question 2

What happens when the blood glucose concentration is too high?

Answer 2

• The pancreas produced insulin.
• Insulin triggers body cells to take in glucose from the blood.
• Insulin triggers the liver and muscle cells to convert excess glucose into glycogen (as storage.)

Question 3

What is Type 1 diabetes?

Answer 3

• A dissorder in which the pancreas fails to produce sufficient insulin.
• It is characterised by uncontrolled, high blood glucose levels.

Question 4

How is Type 1 diabates usually treated?

Answer 4

• Type 1 diabetes is treated with insulin injections.

Question 5

What is Type 2 diabates?

Answer 5

• In Type 2 diabetes the body cells no longer respond to insulin produced
  by the pancreas.

Question 6

What are common treatments for Type 2 diabetes?

Answer 6

• An exercise regime.
• A carbohydrate- controlled diet.

Question 7

What is a MAJOR risk factor for Type 2 diabetes?

Answer 7

• Obesity is a risk factor for Type 2 diabetes.

Question 8

What happens when the blood glucose concentration falls?

Answer 8

• Glucagon is produced by the pancreas.
• Glucagon causes glycogen to be converted back into glucose into the blood.

Question 9

How do insulin and glucagon form a “negative feedback cycle?”

Answer 9

• High blood glucose concentration –> pancreas releases insulin.
• Low blood glucose concentration –> pancreas releases glucagon.
• The hormones have OPPOSITE EFFECTS on blood glucose concentration, so form a negative feedback cycle.